Ansted, West Virginia: Mystery Hole

The Mystery Hole used to be known as "The Sacred Miracle Mystery Hole." Don't know what happened that it lost its "Sacred Miracle" status. I went back to it after it was just The Mystery Hole, and still thought it was quite the sacred miracle.

Just a tip not to look at [the owner] sideways. He denied my entrance because I told him I had my camera in a coat pocket and was not going to use it; I just had it from taking photos outside the building. If I were trying to hide anything, I wouldn't have told him I had it in my pocket. He went on a tirade about how signs are posted, and his wife, the ticket seller told us no cameras, etc. My husband took it to the car and he continued to chide me in front of others. I asked, "Why are you being so mean?" and then he really flipped out like the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. He denied my entrance saying, "Your attitude will not allow you to enjoy the exhibit!"

Be careful of the odd hours. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June. According to their web site, they have fluctating hours throughout the summer. The Mystery Hole is difficult to find, as it is on a back road (you are going through the thickest part of the West Virginia mountins) near the Gauley Bridge.

This attraction is called the Mystery Hole, a mystery vortex area located near Hawks Nest Park in Ansted. It is small, but it is a true phenomenon. You see water travel up hill and everything defies gravity -- unreal! A must see to our state--check it out, you will be amazed. Just look for the VW sticking out of the side of the building. See the laws of gravity defied in the mysterious chambers beneath the small roadside gift shop. A West Virginia cultural icon.